An author recalls how she decided to fight for a better life when she hit rock bottom and used her son as an inspiration to become a successful entrepreneur.

Sarah Pittendrigh, originally from Hexham and now lives in Kiln Pit Hill, has carried on with her work helping other mid-life women succeed when they feel burned out or lost in their ambitions - based on her own experience.

Sarah has gone through cancer twice, bankruptcy, and divorce but bounced back when she recognised her own worth.

She is now a multi-award-winning entrepreneur and franchiser; Ambassador for The Prince’s Trust Women Supporting Women Campaign; Ambassador for Everywoman and has won business awards including the 2012 Chamber of Commerce's Britain's Most Promising Business award, the inaugural 2015 Nat West Everywoman Entrepreneur of the Year award and finalist in the 2022 Great British Entrepreneur Awards.

Sarah has also released a book 'THE I CAN DO METHOD' which was published on January 26, 2023, where she helps create the 'mindset' to help others achieve what they want.

"I want to help others succeed who at the moment feel that they are burnt out and unsure of what to do in their midlife," Sarah said.

"My inspiration was my son and to not accept the situation we were in and to fight back.

"I had separated from my husband, found myself bankrupt, was on income support, having lost a seven-figure business in the recession of 2008 - so it wasn't a good situation.

"But then when I was arranging seats for my brother's wedding - I had my big business idea after the seating was not what we wanted.

"So the business idea was that we would offer a quality and reliable service and the chair covers would be bespoke. We’d hand press and fit them on the day to ensure that they were beautifully presented."

"With a start-up grant of £3,000 from Business Link, a government-run enterprise agency; a loan from my parents, and a precious Cashminder bank account with the Co-op, I set up Simply Bows and Chair Covers. I started by calling clients I had worked with previously and  the response to my business model and my products from our initial telephone calls was so positive that many of the wedding managers I spoke to invited me into their venues to present to them what I had to offer. What a huge relief to hear some positivity; there was a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel."

Now Sarah is a mindset coach for business owners and is a keynote speaker at events to inpsire others.

She adds: "My mantra is that it’s never too late and you’re never too old to build a life you love.

"You owe it to yourself and I wish you every success."